Programmable logic device

Abstract

A programmable logic device of the present invention is constructed to reduce the number of switching elements in wire switches when programmably connecting logical elements by using wire groups. A plurality of programmable wire groups are wired in vertical and horizontal channels between logical elements arranged in array. The wire groups are combined to intersect preferably in crosses. The wire groups are short-circuit-connected at the intersections or connected through programmable switching elements. Programmable connections are effected through wire switching means middled between the wire elements provided between the adjacent intersections. Hence, the programmable logic device of this invention is capable of reducing the areas occupied by the switching elements in the switching means and attaining a high degree of freedom of wiring and a high integration.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A programmable logic device comprising: a plurality of logical elements arranged in an array; and   wire means disposed in vertical and horizontal channels between said logical elements to connect arbitrarily and programmably said logical elements,   wherein said wire means include:   wire groups each consisting of a plurality of wire elements and combinable to intersect each other;   connecting means, provided at intersections of said wire groups, for connecting one wire element of one wire group to a corresponding wire element of another wire group of two wire groups combinable to intersect each other at the intersection; and   switching means, provided between adjacent intersections, for connecting programmably and mutually said plurality of wire elements of each said wire group.   
     
     
       2. The programmable logic device according to claim 1, wherein said two wire groups combinable to intersect each other consist of the same number of wire elements. 
     
     
       3. The programmable logic device according to claim 1, wherein said connecting means short-circuit-connects the one wire element to the corresponding wire element at the intersection. 
     
     
       4. The programmable logic device according to claim 3, wherein corresponding wire elements belonging to respective wire groups are short-circuit-connected in crosses at the intersection. 
     
     
       5. The programmable logic device according to claim 3, wherein corresponding wire elements belonging to respective wire groups are combined in crosses at the intersections. 
     
     
       6. The programmable logic device according to claim 5, wherein corresponding wire elements belonging to respective wire groups are in an L-shape. 
     
     
       7. The programmable logic device according to claim 3, wherein corresponding wire elements belonging to respective wire groups intersect each other at the intersection. 
     
     
       8. The programmable logic device according to claim 3, wherein corresponding wire elements belonging to respective groups intersect each other in crosses at the intersection. 
     
     
       9. The programmable logic device according to claim 1, wherein said connecting means is composed of a programmable switching element for determining one of a connection and a disconnection between one wire element and the corresponding wire element at the intersection. 
     
     
       10. The programmable logic device according to claim 9, wherein corresponding wire elements belonging to respective wire groups are combined in crosses at the intersections. 
     
     
       11. The programmable logic device according to claim 10, wherein corresponding wire elements belonging to respective wire groups are in an L-shape. 
     
     
       12. The programmable logic device according to claim 9, wherein corresponding wire elements belonging to respective wire groups intersect each other at the intersection. 
     
     
       13. The programmable logic device according to claim 9, wherein corresponding wire elements belonging to respective wire groups intersect each other in crosses at the intersection.